News
October 18, 2025
Mark Chapman speaks out about replacing Gary Lineker on MOTD – 'Thank god that's over'
After Gary Lineker left the BBC earlier this year, Match of the Day turned to a new presenting trio - Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates - to fill his shoes
**Mark Chapman speaks out about replacing Gary Lineker on MOTD – 'Thank god that's over'**
The dust has finally settled at Match of the Day after a turbulent period earlier this year saw Gary Lineker temporarily step down from his presenting role. In the aftermath, Mark Chapman, alongside Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, stepped up to share the responsibility of leading the iconic football highlights program. Now, Chapman has spoken candidly about the experience, revealing the pressure and relief he felt during that time.
Following Lineker's departure amidst a social media controversy, the BBC moved swiftly to ensure the show continued its broadcast. The decision to utilise Chapman, Logan, and Cates as a rotating trio was met with a mixed response, with some viewers welcoming the change while others expressed their loyalty to Lineker.
Chapman, a familiar face to sports fans through his work on BBC Radio 5 Live and other BBC sports coverage, acknowledged the weight of expectation that came with filling Lineker's shoes. He noted the inherent challenge of stepping into a role so closely associated with one individual for so long.
“It was a strange time, obviously,” Chapman admitted. “Gary is synonymous with Match of the Day, so to have to cover in those circumstances wasn’t ideal. But we all just tried to do our best to keep things as normal as possible for the viewers.”
While he didn't elaborate on the specific pressures, Chapman's comment, "Thank god that's over," speaks volumes about the intensity of the situation. It suggests the period was a challenging one, filled with scrutiny and the need to maintain the program's high standards during a period of uncertainty.
The comments offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at Match of the Day during that period, highlighting the pressure felt by those who stepped up to maintain the show's continuity. With Lineker now back in his familiar position, Chapman, Logan, and Cates have returned to their respective roles within the BBC's sports broadcasting team, but the experience of filling in during such a high-profile situation will undoubtedly have left its mark.
The dust has finally settled at Match of the Day after a turbulent period earlier this year saw Gary Lineker temporarily step down from his presenting role. In the aftermath, Mark Chapman, alongside Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, stepped up to share the responsibility of leading the iconic football highlights program. Now, Chapman has spoken candidly about the experience, revealing the pressure and relief he felt during that time.
Following Lineker's departure amidst a social media controversy, the BBC moved swiftly to ensure the show continued its broadcast. The decision to utilise Chapman, Logan, and Cates as a rotating trio was met with a mixed response, with some viewers welcoming the change while others expressed their loyalty to Lineker.
Chapman, a familiar face to sports fans through his work on BBC Radio 5 Live and other BBC sports coverage, acknowledged the weight of expectation that came with filling Lineker's shoes. He noted the inherent challenge of stepping into a role so closely associated with one individual for so long.
“It was a strange time, obviously,” Chapman admitted. “Gary is synonymous with Match of the Day, so to have to cover in those circumstances wasn’t ideal. But we all just tried to do our best to keep things as normal as possible for the viewers.”
While he didn't elaborate on the specific pressures, Chapman's comment, "Thank god that's over," speaks volumes about the intensity of the situation. It suggests the period was a challenging one, filled with scrutiny and the need to maintain the program's high standards during a period of uncertainty.
The comments offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at Match of the Day during that period, highlighting the pressure felt by those who stepped up to maintain the show's continuity. With Lineker now back in his familiar position, Chapman, Logan, and Cates have returned to their respective roles within the BBC's sports broadcasting team, but the experience of filling in during such a high-profile situation will undoubtedly have left its mark.
Category:
Sports